Steal away
by Jennifer L. Armstrong
Rebound by Sagebrush 1992
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Themes include injustice and racism
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- friendship
- courage
- freedom
- injustice and racism
- identity
- hope
- perseverance
About this book
Set in the years before the Civil War, Steal Away follows two girls from very different worlds who risk everything on a dangerous journey toward freedom. Told in alternating voices, their story brings the Underground Railroad to life with suspense and heart. Readers see the power of loyalty and courage as the girls rely on each other to survive. It’s a gripping historical read for middle-grade students who enjoy friendship stories and real-world adventure.
Setting: the American South and North along the Underground Railroad, mid-1800s
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Steal away right for my child?
Yes — Steal away is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.6, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include friendship, courage, freedom.
How long does it take to read Steal away?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Steal away takes around 5.3h to finish. The book has 52,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Steal away have an AR quiz?
Yes — Steal away has an AR quiz available, worth 7 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Steal away?
Steal away has an AR reading level of 5.6, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.